Chapter 77
A Father's Fear
"We're having a baby," I whispered, tears welling in my eyes from sheer happiness.
Daniel didn't speak. He slowly set the box down on the table, his trembling hands reaching out to touch my face, then sliding down to rest gently on my stomach.
In his eyes, I saw a storm of emotions. Absolute joy intertwined with an instinctual, raw fear. The man who had never trembled before the barrel of an enemy's gun was now shaking at the presence of a tiny, fragile life.
"Can I... can I be a good father?" Daniel whispered, his voice laced with self-doubt. "My hands are stained with too much blood."
I placed my hand over his, transferring my warmth and unwavering faith.
May you like
"Your hands have also protected me, protected this home," I said, looking deeply into his eyes. "Our past does not define the kind of parents we will become. You are going to be the most wonderful father, Daniel."
Tears streamed down his cheeks. He pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly, sobbing openly like a child. For the first time, Daniel was truly, entirely healed.
